Vol. 499 No. 1
992 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the concern of some parents that their children who are at junior and senior infant levels in primary school are required to eat their lunch outdoors in the school yard even in very cold weather; if his Department has issued any recommendations to primary schools in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1750/99]
My attention has not been drawn to the concern of some parents as outlined by the Deputy in relation to children at junior and senior infant level eating their lunch outdoors. The board of management is the body charged with the direct governance of primary schools. Arrangements for the children to eat their lunches would be a matter for the principal teacher subject to the authority of the board. Accordingly, any concerns regarding the arrangements in place in a particular school should be brought to the attention of the school authorities concerned. Where difficulties cannot be resolved at local level it is open to parents to write to my Department on the matter.
